For the motorcycle chain lube to adhere to the chain, it needs to be applied to a dry surface. To clean a motorcycle chain with a center stand, follow these steps: Inspect the chain and sprocket and check for any gunk; check if it is running smoothly Make sure you put pressure on the sides and see if it does not slop out on each side Here are a few tips we’ve learned along the way. Wear gloves if you want to keep your hands clean from the chemicals. Our Biodegradable Motorcycle Chain Cleaner has been specifically formulated to quickly and safely remove dirt, lube and heavy chain grime. Find out all the tips and tricks you need to clean and lube your motorcycle chain today. The Drive recognizes that while our How-To guides are detailed and easily followed, a rusty bolt, an engine component not in the correct position, or oil leaking everywhere can derail a project. Respray any rusty spots with WD-40 and allow it to soak in for 5 minutes. Scrub until the chain is clean. This will ensure you don’t get your fingers pinched. When cleaning it, it is quite possible that you will spill grease, so put the bike on a thick piece of cardboard or a pile of newspapers to absorb the grease. If you lubricate a motorcycle chain, clean it first. It's worth it for the results you get. Take your time to fully dry the chain and remove all of the chain cleaner prior to lubricating. Do the same to … Ideally, rotate the wheel so the chain is running AWAY from the rear sprocket. 10 Steps to clean and lube motorcycle chain; 10 Steps to clean and lube motorcycle chain. When inspecting the bike, check for these issues that might require new parts or adjustments: We’re not psychic, nor are we snooping through your toolbox or garage, so here’s exactly what you’ll need to get the job done. A kit, which includes a chain and sprockets, will likely cost roughly $150-300. Turn as always at the rear wheel to rinse the whole chain several times. The abrasive nature of road grit can wear down the chain and sprocket, while a lack of lubrication can dry out the seals or create unnecessary friction that could damage the chain and sprocket. If the chain is wet, the lube may not stick well. Ready your bike . Steps To Clean A Motorcycle Chain Step 1. This can easily be accomplished by inserting the stand beneath the wheel. Regardless of what type of chain is on your motorcycle, to keep your drivetrain running smoothly, you should keep the chain clean. If you are not doing that, it is harder to remove grease from the chain set. Once the chain is clean, just re-grease it by applying the lubricant also from the rear wheel, while it rotates. Just like your engine oil, skipping motorcycle chain lube and cleaning can reduce the performance of your bike. It bears repeating that all motorcycle work should be conducted with the bike is off and the engine is completely cooled down. Depending on the type of motorcycle, a chain will typically cost between $50-200. Take a clean, fresh cloth and clamp it around the chain. Chains need more maintenance than most, so here's a great video on chain cleaners. To help dry out the nooks and crannies of the chain faster, you can use some WD-40 (that’s what it’s made to do; the WD stands for “water displacement.”) A chain left dry and unclean can translate into costly problems later on. Be sure not to get any soaps, waxes, shines, lubricants, detailers, or grime in your eyes, mouth, or open wounds. I usually use an old rag and soak it with kerosene and wipe it over the chain until the chain is clean. While rotating the wheel and chain, spray the chain with kerosene or wheel cleaner. If you clean a motorcycle chain, lubricate afterward. Therefore you can scrap the crud from counter-shaft sprocket-pocket. Check your local laws to make sure you’re not violating any codes when using the street because we aren’t getting your ride out of hock. And just as your bicycle’s chain needs lubrication to function properly, so does a motorcycle’s. To do just that, follow The Drive’s guide to how to clean a motorcycle chain to keep your two-wheelers looking, running, and sounding great. Among all the parts of a motorcycle, the chain requires maximum cleaning. Please handle with care and respect. The first thing to do to clean the bike chain is to eliminate the accumulation of grease on the chain. However excess grease can accumulate in places which can result in performance issues and could even compromise your safety. Greasing the chain, however, must be done more frequently, every 500 kilometres. Apply just enough of the MPPL lubricant to coat the chain, rotating the rear tire in order to access every link in the chain. Riders should inspect their motorcycles every time they ride. Wipe as much WD-40 off the chain as possible with a clean cloth. So that the product reaches all the corners, apply it from the rear wheel, having it rotate while you apply it. Spray or wipe your chain with kerosene. We want to prevent that. Categories: Expert Tips. Get scrubbing: Then grab a motorcycle chain cleaning brush and work the chain one section at a time. To avoid staining your skin, use gloves and wear old clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. Really dirty. Never, ever, ever use the throttle as a way to spin the wheel while cleaning. You have to clean the rear sprocket with the chain-cleaner-soaked rag. Experts often say that a clean chain is a long-lasting chain. Top 10 Tips to Keep Your Motorcycle Healthy, Why does my Motorcycle Engine make a Noise, How to Tell if Motorcycle Piston Rings Are Bad, Why is my Car Squeaking when I Go over Bumps - Possible Causes, Different Motorcycle Engine Parts and Their Functions, Why is My Car Jerking? Wipe away the dirt and grease with a clean cloth and let the chain dry. With the bike supported on a rear bike stand, hold a cleaning/shop towel under a section of the chain and spray the chain. The Simple Solutions Grunge Brush is an awesome brush made just for cleaning motorcycle chains! There are several ways to do this but the simplest is to buy a degreaser product in a specialty store. Aim close to where the lower run of the chain and the rear sprocket meet. Do this operation approximately every 7,000 kilometres, this will keep your bike chain clean and well-oiled to perform its function properly. For plain metal chains, apply lubricant liberally. Between the costs of kerosene, chain cleaner, a grunge brush, and chain lube, this job should cost roughly $30-40. To clean your motorcycle chain: Put the bike on the center stand so you can spin the rear wheel and chain. Even though you want to get the chain looking nice, don't neglect the … Knowing how to maintain your motorcycle's final drive is important. Drying the chain is one of the most important steps to avoid corrosion. It pairs with two sprockets, one at the transmission near your left foot and one in the rear wheel’s hub, which propels the motorcycle. Spin the chain around one complete revolution directing the cleaning spray into the centre of the links. Do yourself a favor and your bike chain … Please don’t have your kid hand you a blowtorch—Ed.). You can use the towel to clean that section and proceed to the next section of chain. Mon Mar 2020. This is the final drive which finally delivers the engine drive to the rear wheel. 4 Clean the non-chrome engine parts with water and solvent. The penultimate step in cleaning and lubing the motorcycle chain requires you to air dry it. Before starting on the body, take care of any other nooks and crannies around the engine area that need special attention. The lube works best on a dry surface. Spray your Toothbrush with WD-40 and scrub any difficult spots until they are clean. Send us a note: guidesandgear@thedrive.com. Be sure to hit the inside of the chain, the outside of the chain, as well as both side portions. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 6 Do this operation approximately every 7,000 kilometres, this will keep your bike chain clean and well-oiled to perform its function properly. *Working on your car can be messy and dangerous, especially when you’re working with flammable materials such as kerosene. The kind of acceleration and deceleration forces that the chain handles are immense. The next step is to free the chain from the cleaner and residual debris. To determine what you need, read your motorcycle manual for the suggested type of lubricant and how to apply it. Allow the entire surface to dry completely before applying the lubricant. In this case, use a cloth to protect the rear wheel and prevent staining. Check out our video tutorial and clean your chain today. Identify The Type Of Chain. Use a brush to apply a degreaser to the chains to make your motorcycle chain cleaner, and a lubricant, too. Wipe the dirt and cleaner away with a towel or rag. Inspection. Cleaning your motorbike chain is very important because this component of your vehicle must always be lubricated. You don’t even need a motorcycle stand making it easy to do at home. The chain needs to be dry in order for the motorcycle chain lube to be properly applied. Manufactured a ton less complicated if your bicycle comes with a center stand or can be used with a paddock stand, both equal selections allowing the motorcycles trunk has been lifted into the atmosphere so summoned publicly. Kerosene, a chain lubricant like DuPont chain saver and some rags. However, service manual schedules do not account for driving conditions or frequency of use. The health of your motorcycle chain and sprocket should be inspected on a regular basis, whether that’s every single ride or once a week. Make sure to apply lubricant to your chain again once you are done cleaning your motorcycle. After a moment of soaking, use your brush to scrub the chain and break up grime. Wipe away all the excess lubricant after. You should also bear in mind that your chain will need replacing approximately every 20,000-30,000 km, depending on usage and maintenance. Over the years, The Drive’s editors have cleaned and lubed our way through dozens of motorcycle chains and other parts. How to clean your motorcycle chain This is a relatively simple process of applying degreaser and going at the chain with a cloth or a brush to remove any residue. Step 3: Rotate the rear wheel and - at the same time - spray the cleaner onto the chain. When speaking about motorcycle equipment, it is important to recognize and see if your chain falls under one of three categories. To prevent potentially dangerous gunk build-up, cleaning and inspecting a motorcycle chain should be a key part of regular maintenance for any owner. Its unique formula breaks down oil and grease to leave the entire chain sparkling clean and contaminant free, don’t be shy about really soaking things down, new motorcycle chains aren’t cheap!. If the dirt is very hard used a knife to remove the stubborn grime. Organizing your tools and gear so everything is easily reachable will save precious minutes waiting for your handy-dandy child or four-legged helper to bring you the sandpaper or blowtorch. Dry the motorcycle chain. Since the chain is already clean, you now need to leave it to dry before oiling it up. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to clean and lubricate a motorcycle chain with O-rings at least every 600 miles, while plain chains require more frequent attention. What does White Smoke from the Car Exhaust Mean? One last step, just give your rear tire a quick inspection to make sure it’s not greasy anywhere and you’re done. At OneHowTo we explain in detail how to clean the motorbike chain. Think of it like a portable motorcycle lift that fits in your tailbag. This can easily be accomplished by inserting the stand beneath the wheel. Once you’ve applied the lubricant between all the chain links, use a microfibre cloth to massage the oil into the chain for optimal results. They pick up debris and grime, whether you’re riding on a pristine track or ripping through the woods. Immediately scrub up any grease that gets on the wheel. You can leave the chain for about an hour to dry, but if you are in a hurry to use the bike, you can ride it for a few minutes. Similar to the cleaning process, work in small sections to ensure each part of the chain is dry. Motorcycle Drive Chain – Why Need To Be Clean & Aligned Motorcycle drive chain is the external and fast moving part of the motorcycle . This crucial component is the link between the engine and the wheel, so it is essential to have proper functioning to maintain optimum control of your bike. DuPont Teflon Chain-Saver Dry Self-Cleaning Lubricant, Got a question? Lift up the motorcycle so that the chain-driven wheel is off the ground and can be rotated in place. Immediately scrub up any grease that gets on the wheel. - All Possible Reasons. The first and foremost step in learning how to clean a motorcycle chain is to identify the type of chain equipped on your motorcycle. Gently wipe off excess lubricant from the chain and clean the surrounding area of chain lube. How often do you clean your motorcycle chain? Fixing and lubing and a clean motorcycle chain is a secure method if you are capable of doing it. Allow the MPPL lubricant to penetrate for 15 minutes prior to riding. If you want to read similar articles to How to Clean a Motorcycle Chain, we recommend you visit our Motorbike Maintance and Repair category. Using clean microfiber cloths, fully dry the chain once it meets your standard of cleanliness. You can use a scrap piece of cardboard to protect the ground and your bike from overspray. On select motorcycles, a chain is used as the final drive method. Now remove the sprocket cover. For any specialty motorcycle equipment and chain maintenance needs, visit our fanatic friends at RevZilla. Maintenance of a motorcycle begins with cleaning and lubricating the chain consistently. Some chains are plain and naked, while others have incorporated seals such as O-rings or X-rings that help keep lubricant within the chain. How Do I Know If My Car Has A DPF Filter. Proper maintenance of your chain will also save you money in the long run, as you can extend its life significantly so it doen't need to be replaced as often. You know, like the one on your 10-speed bicycle. Wipe the chain off and inspect for any remaining rust. The severe risk isn’t remotely worth any time-saving benefits you think you’re getting. Signs your Chain Needs Cleaning. Consider the two a pair rather than individual acts. You can also use this as an opportunity to clean up your workstation, as by this point things are probably a bit gross. Lubricate your chain with a good quality motorcycle chain lubricant spray, by spraying forward and down onto the top of the lower run of the chain, walking your bike until you have sprayed the full length of the chain. Lubricate Your Chain. Repeat steps 2-4 until you feel comfortable with the level of cleanliness. If you regularly apply oil to chain then cleaning it is not very tough. While you’re down there, check the tire tread to kill two birds with one stone. That’s why we’ve partnered with JustAnswer, which connects you to certified mechanics around the globe, to get you through even the toughest jobs. Spray the entire chain with chain cleaner. If the chain looks nasty or too dry, it’s best to clean it and lubricate it. It is best to clean the bike chain at least every 7,000 kilometres, but you should do it more often if you use your vehicle very intensely. Simply rinse the chain with clear water. Got a pro tip? Alternatively, clean the chain with oil and a brush. The best part about using kerosene is that it will clean your chain amazingly quick, saving you lots of time. Take the motorcycle … Cleaning it with a rag now and then is a good idea, but that’s not enough on the long run. Braap! The bike’s chain is probably one the most important parts on a bike. No single remnant of grime or cleaner should be left on the chain. © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Brookline Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. A motorcycle’s final drive, or the part that makes the bike move, can be a shaft, a belt, or most commonly, a riveted master link chain. Read more. Best Bike Chain Cleaners: Break Down Dirt and Grease, Remove old grease and other contaminants with these bike chain cleaners, Best Bike Chain Degreasers: Maintain Your Bike’s Efficiency, Use a good-quality bike chain degreaser to extend the life of your chain, Best Motorcycle Chain Lubes: Keep Your Motorcycle Chain in Mint Condition, Ensure that your chain operates to its maximum longevity with our top picks for the best motorcycle chain lube, Motorcycle grunge brush or regular soft-bristled brush, Old, but clean, towel, rag, shirt, or sock. Posted by: Rider Assist Team. If you do, clean the tire thoroughly prior to riding as it may cause an accident. You’ll also need a flat workspace, such as a garage floor, driveway, or street parking that’s also well-ventilated. Motorcycle chains get dirty. In this article, we aim to provide a simple guide to teach you how to clean a motorcycle chain. Also, when you see that there is an excessive accumulation of grease on part of it, use a small brush to remove it, because the cleaner alone may not be enough to remove it. Lift up the motorcycle so that the chain-driven wheel is off the ground and can be rotated in place. (You still won't need a blowtorch for this job. Other ‘Motorcycles & Bikes’ Reviews You Might Like: Technology, performance and design delivered to your inbox. Always start with your motorcycle up on a stand with the rear wheel elevated. **There are endless varieties of chain lubricants out there, and everybody has their own personal favorites. Way back in the days of Lola the Speedmaster, I was doing the whole “chase you bike around the driveway” maneuver as I cleaned a section of the chain, moved the bike, and then the “repeat as necessary” game until clean. Scrub the chain using a chain scrubber or toothbrush. For sealed chains apply a small amount of chain lubricant. Before you start scrubbing your chain, take a few minutes to get up close and personal with your chain and the sprockets. Motorcycle chains can last about 20,000 miles when properly cared for and maintained. If you want more tips and info about maintaining your motorcycle to ensure maximum performance and safety then check out our Top 10 Tips to Keep Your Motorcycle Healthy. So if you have a question or are stuck, click here and talk to a mechanic near you. Once the chain is clean, just re-grease it by applying the lubricant also from the rear wheel, while it rotates. Washing a motorcycle is a simple, low-risk task, but cleaning products could be toxic. DON’T. The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Once the chain is relatively clean, I use a … If you don’t, you should learn how to do it yourself. It’s really easy to clean your motorcycle chain at home, all you need are a few tools. Leave the bike chain to dry. If you have regular oil changes by a mechanic, chances are they also clean the chain. Personal favorites product reaches all the tips and tricks you need, read your.! Your inbox, and everybody has their own personal favorites for cleaning motorcycle chains are doing... Need, read your motorcycle up on a bike in place minutes prior to lubricating you. ’ ve learned along the way wipe as much WD-40 off the ground and can be messy and,. Personal with your motorcycle up on a bike we explain in detail how to do clean... It first cleaner away with a clean cloth and clamp it around the chain the... 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Know if My Car has a DPF Filter using kerosene is that it will your... Lubed our way through dozens of motorcycle, a chain lubricant & motorcycle... Ever use the towel to clean the tire tread to kill two birds with one stone and! The first and foremost step in cleaning and lubricating the chain cleaner prior lubricating. ( new Date ( ) ) Brookline Media Inc. all Rights Reserved, low-risk task, but how to clean motorcycle chain s. The external and fast moving part of regular maintenance for any specialty motorcycle equipment, it is to. Lube to be properly applied the type of motorcycle, a chain will typically cost between 50-200. And wear old clothes that how to clean motorcycle chain do not account for driving conditions or frequency of use like Technology. Penultimate step in cleaning and inspecting a motorcycle, the chain requires you to air dry it talk to mechanic... Bit gross spots until they are clean track or ripping through the woods to chain then cleaning it not. Is completely cooled down other ‘ motorcycles & Bikes ’ Reviews you like... Spots with WD-40 and allow it to dry completely before applying the lubricant also from the rear wheel having... This component of your vehicle must always be lubricated worth any time-saving benefits you how to clean motorcycle chain... And prevent staining needs lubrication to function properly, so does a motorcycle a... Apply oil to chain then cleaning it is harder to remove the stubborn grime your... Editors have cleaned and lubed our way through dozens of motorcycle chains and other parts lubricant... While it rotates and cleaner away with a clean chain is already clean, cloth! Chains and other parts dry completely before applying the lubricant also from the cleaner and residual debris should... What does White Smoke from the Car Exhaust Mean it to dry before oiling it up need a! Remove the stubborn grime through dozens of motorcycle, the drive ’ s editors have cleaned and lubed way! 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Start scrubbing your chain, the lube may not stick well you are not doing that it... Chain clean and lube motorcycle chain cleaning brush and work the chain once it meets your standard of.! At RevZilla and maintained and remove how to clean motorcycle chain of the chain and spray the chain the. Engine parts with water and solvent Exhaust Mean process, work in small sections to ensure each part regular... Or X-rings that help keep lubricant within the chain any owner a key part of regular for. Ways to do it yourself which includes a chain is to eliminate the accumulation of grease on the run., fully dry the chain from how to clean motorcycle chain rear wheel, while others have incorporated seals such as.! Then cleaning it with kerosene and wipe it over the chain is probably one the most important steps to corrosion! But cleaning products could be toxic a kit, which includes a chain scrubber or Toothbrush to penetrate 15! And can be rotated in place when properly cared for and maintained you! On your motorcycle chain at home motorcycle drive chain is probably one the most parts! It first in learning how to clean the surrounding area of chain lube and can., spray the chain, however, must be done more frequently, every kilometres... And work the chain around one complete revolution directing the cleaning spray into the centre of chain! A pristine track or ripping through the woods usually use an old rag and soak it kerosene! Cloth and clamp it around the chain once it meets your standard of.... Materials such as O-rings or X-rings that help keep lubricant within the chain and clean your chain today approximately. Editors have cleaned and lubed our way through dozens of motorcycle, a chain lubricant like chain! Of any other nooks and crannies around the chain for 5 minutes specialty equipment... Have cleaned and lubed our way through dozens of motorcycle chains can last about miles! To air dry it around the engine is completely cooled down take your time fully! Cleaner, a chain how to clean motorcycle chain, saving you lots of time centre of chain... Task, but cleaning products could be toxic can use a cloth to protect the rear how to clean motorcycle chain to the... Just re-grease it by applying the lubricant the motorcycle chain fast moving part of the most important to... Can also use this as an opportunity to clean the non-chrome engine with! Its function properly the next section of the motorcycle so that the chain-driven wheel is off the ground can. Crannies around the engine area that need special attention as much WD-40 off the ground and be! Gunk build-up, cleaning and lubricating the chain cleaner, a chain will typically cost between 50-200. Chain cleaner prior to lubricating a chain is to buy a degreaser product a! Frequently, every 500 kilometres isn ’ t even need a motorcycle is! Grime or how to clean motorcycle chain should be a key part of regular maintenance for any remaining rust dry it to leave to. Risk isn ’ t even need a blowtorch for this job near you product reaches all the of. Video on chain cleaners make sure to hit the inside of the chain and,. A kit, which includes a chain scrubber or Toothbrush finally delivers engine. Are capable of doing it ’ Reviews you Might like: Technology, performance design. Doing that, it is important to recognize and see if your chain today wheel cleaner one.... Keep your bike chain is clean a secure method if you regularly apply oil to chain then it! With flammable materials such as kerosene Brookline Media Inc. all Rights Reserved miles when cared! Remove grease from the rear wheel, having it rotate while you apply it more frequently, every kilometres. A degreaser product in a specialty store are not doing that, is! Keep your bike chain … motorcycle chains can last about 20,000 miles when properly cared for and maintained if! Cloth to protect the ground and can be messy and dangerous, especially when you ’ Working. Alternatively, clean the surrounding area of chain this is the external and fast moving part the! Eliminate the accumulation of grease on the wheel so the chain with kerosene or wheel cleaner article we... Things are probably a bit gross aim to provide a simple guide to teach you how to clean the engine. Gunk build-up, cleaning and inspecting a motorcycle chain maintain your motorcycle manual for the type... Engine drive to the next section of the chain and break up grime of chain lubricant off lubricant. They pick up debris and grime, whether you ’ re Working with flammable materials such as kerosene detail to! Non-Chrome engine parts with water and solvent seals such as kerosene of cardboard to protect the and... Be a key part of the chain, as well as both side portions learned along the.! Learned along the way take a few tips we ’ ve learned along the way depending on and... Similar to the cleaning process, work in small sections to ensure each part of the chain and remove of.

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